Bill's Blog: Homecoming with EMU

9:14 p.m. — Return back to Fayetteville in a week for an 11:21 a.m. kickoff against South Carolina.

9:13 p.m. — There’s the final play and its over, Arkansas 63, Eastern Michigan 27. The final burst of fireworks — and it was the final one. To answer the earlier somewhat humerously intended question, the fireworks folks had enough for just three more TDs after the Armburst score. They just made it to the end with that final burst.

9:12 p.m. — FUMBLE for EMU, but the Eagles cover. and the clock runs.

9:10 p.m. — Wilson in for last series. Hogs go for it on fourth down trying to kill the clock. Can’t convert, and EMU takes over on downs.

9:07 p.m. — Onside kick for EMU covered by Lucas Miller.

9:06 p.m. — Tonight’s Homecoming attendance is 62,501

9:04 p.m. — A long night of hard work for Priest is finally rewarded. On his 21st carry, the Eagle running back scores a 10-yard touchdown. The PAT is good and it’s 63-27 with 2:14 left.

8:58 p.m. — After taking over on downs from EMU, Razorbacks give it back on a fumble by Wilson.

8:55 p.m. — Little Rock players have scored five of Arkansas’ seven touchdowns tonight (Adams, 2; Green, 2; Armbrust, 1)

8:54 p.m. — EMU scrapping along to try and get another score. Now 3rd and nine at the Razorback 30.

8:49 p.m. — Tyler Wilson gives up the interception, the first turnover of the game for Arkansas. Broderick Green proves why he was considered for linebacker with a crushing hit.

8:44 p.m. — Wilson finds Childs for 14 to the 30 yard line, first down for Arkansas. Go clock go — 9:30 and running.

8:43 p.m. — Tyler Wilson steps in at the QB, hands off to Knile Davis. Clock running with 11 minutes to play.

8:41 p.m. — Eastern goes for it on fourth down, and throws incomplete; Hogs take over on downs; TV timeout. Mallett has his helmet off, so we think he may be done for the day.

8:39 p.m. — EMU stalls on first down, then held for a loss as the defense looks to stop any more Eagle scores.

8:37 p.m. — Looked like Arkansas had held EMU at midfield, but the punt was touched by a Razorback and coverd by EMU at the Arkansas 14.

8:34 p.m. — After a long break for TV and the kickoff, EMU begins to move up field, picking up a first down.

8:28 p.m. — And just like that, Lucas Miller in for the score. Now 63-20 with 0:18 left in the third.

8:26 p.m. — Ronnie Wingo, Jr., breaks loose for 19 yards to the EMU 16. A score here puts Arkansas over 60 for the first time since the North Texas game.

8:24 p.m. — Mallett remains in the game for Arkansas as we hit 2:40 left in the third. The field opens up wide, wide open and Mallett rambles for 19 yards before sliding in safe for the first down.

8:21 p.m. — A late hit aids a good EMU run and the Eagles will set themselves at the 32 yard line of Arkansas. McMahan finds John Bonner for the 32-yard score, and with the PAT it was 56-20.

8:19 p.m. — Another solid Sears kickoff return, this one 24 yards, to set the Eagles at the 35 yard line.

8:18 p.m. — At 56 points, this is the most points under Bobby Petrino’s leadership for the Razorbacks

8:18 p.m. — Knile Davis ends the drive with an untouched 4-yard TD run set up by Hamilton’s 55-yard catch, the PAT is good and its Arkansas 56, EMU 13

8:16 p.m. — Mallett hits Cobi Hamilton wide open on the left sideline, the play goes for 55 down to the Eagles’ five yard line.

8:15 p.m. — Dennis Johnson gets his first kick off return of the night, and is one tackle away from another TD. Advances it out to the 40 for the Hogs. Mallett still under center

8:12 p.m. — Kyle McMahan took a hit, but he lofted the pass on target to Kinsman Thomas for a 77-yard TD, the PAT was good this time and its 49-13.

8:09 p.m. — After a procedure penalty, Mallett unable to scramble for the first down. For the first time tonight, Arkansas will punt.

8:06 p.m. — Mallett returns to guide the offense, staying on the ground. Davis breaks through for the first down. Clock beginning to grind down. Now 7:27 left in the third.

8:04 p.m. — Traffic Alert: Another lane on Razorback Road near the stadium is blocked near the SW corner of the stadium. The city is working issue with a manhole cover and rain water, but it may take some time to resolve. As a result, traffic will be turned early.

8:00 p.m. — McMahan gets the pass to Ben Thayer, and wiggles free for the touchdown. As might be expected, the PAT was blocked, hard, and the score stands at 49-6.

8:00 p.m. — McMahan scrambles again, and lofts one deep, 34 yards to the 8 as the Razorbacks have a coverage bust; Franklin’s tackle prevents the score.

7:57 p.m. — McMahan back in at QB for EMU, hands off to Priest. 2nd and seven. He scrambles away from pressure, complete to Sanders for the first first down of the game at the 11:24 mark on the 24 yard gain.

7:57 p.m. — The Greek Life winners are Delta Delta Delta for the women and the team of Sigma Nu and Kappa Alpha Psi for men

7;56 p.m. — Homecoming awards for Greek Life, 3rd for women is Kappa Delta and Zeta Phi Beta; for men is Sigma Chi; Second place in Greek Life is Chi Omega for women and for the men the combo of Pi Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Phi Epsilon

7:55 p.m. — Homecoming awards, in the residence hall division, 3rd, Gregson and Gibson Hall; 2nd, Humphreys; 1st Maple Hill; Homecoming awards in the RSO division, 3rd is LULAC and Gamma Eta; 2nd is Student Ambassadors; 1st Beta Upsilon Chi and Sigma Phi Lambda.

7:54 p.m. — EMU goes for the punt and BLOCKED PUNT and it’s returned for the TD; Seth Armbrust blocked and recovered it for the TD. The PAT is good and it’s now 49-0.

7:49 p.m. — EMU’s kickoff return opens the second half, Razorbacks lead 42-0. Alex Gillett QB now for EMU. Looks like on 3rd down they may get the first down, but an untimely penalty backs up the Eagles. Incomplete pass and the streak continues.

7:44 p.m. — First half highlights package up on the video board, opens with montage of student costumes.

7:42 p.m. — And the final Arkansas Alumni awards, Distinguished Alumni Award winners are Art Meripol, Cordia Harrington and Governor Mike Beebe

7:41 p.m. — The Young Alumni Award to Brandon Keener and Elizabeth Keener; Honorary Alumni award to Don Pederson

7:41 p.m. — The Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award to Lewis Epley, Jr.; the Alumni Community Service Award to Larry Bittle

7:41 p.m. — The Arkansas Alumni Association is recognizing faculty today for research, Laurent Bellaiche; for service, Amy Farmer; for teaching, Dub Ashton

7:36 p.m. — The 2009 Homecoming queen is Kim Smith of Hot Springs, a senior health science major and representing Alpha Kappa Alpha

7:34 p.m. — The 2009 Homecoming court is Mattie Bookhout of North Little Rock, Locke Isaacson of Jonesboro, Alexandra Kosmitis of Pine Bluff, Katie Sellers of Hutchison, Kansas

7:28 p.m. — Razorback band takes the field with a Halloween theme show. Ends with the Ghostbusters.

7:27 p.m. — EMU lets the clock expire rather than try, and that completes the perfect night for the defense — every EMU drive ending with a punt or turnover and not a single first down. 42-0.

7:25 p.m. — Blevins on the carry for EMU and now its 3rd and 3 at the 27 as the Eagles go for their first first down.

7:24 p.m. — The only drama left is can EMU get a first down before halftime. Four yards to 24 and second and 6.

7:22 p.m. — CORRECTION: We have a correction from the media relations folks. Billy Moore’s TD, announced in the PB as 99, was only 90 yards. This means that Green’s 99 should be the longest rushing TD in school history.

7:21 p.m. — Joe Adams now gets his own one-play touchdown drive as he goes 78 yards for the score. His drive goes 13 seconds, but for less yardage.

7:20 p.m. — Priest again, Bequette and Franklin say NO to the first down. Fourth and one and EMU will go for it . . . . not. Send in the punter.

7:19 p.m. — EMU goes back to Priest, one yard. Third and one for the Eagles.

7:18 p.m. — EMU gets eight on the pass play and with second and two, threatens its first first down of the game.

7:16 p.m. — And yes, for those of you scoring at home, that’s Green’s longest career rush.

7:15 p.m. — Green and Billy Moore are the only players in Razorback history to score 99-yard TD runs. In 1962 versus Tulsa, Moore went 99 yards for the score.

7:14 p.m. — The PAT is good and it’s Arkansas 35, EMU 0 with 4:10 left in the first half.

7:12 p.m. — 99 yards to go, Mallet back under center. Handoff to Green, he hits first gear, breaks through the defensive line; shifts to into second gear and he’s past the linebackers. Defensive backs encounter Green around the EMU 40, he downshifts momentarily, then drops it into overdrive to the house.

7:11 p.m. — The Rabid Hog Fans of Fort Smith are tonight’s tailgate competition honorees. The Fort Smith Razorback Club is sponsoring tonight’s Burl’s Kids.

7:10 p.m. — EMU gets a big highlight with a 64 yard punt that is downed on the Razorback 1 yard line

7:09 p.m. — Third and long for EMU and the Hogs keep their defensive streak intact — another three and out for the Eagles.

7:06 p.m. — Tejada’s field goal attempt of 50 yards is wide right, ball goes over on downs to EMU; still Arkansas 28-0 with 6:18 left in 2nd. Razorbacks now do what EMU could not — stop a drive — thanks to the two penalties and the two incompletions.

7:03 p.m. — Back to back penalties — five for delay of game and five for substitution violation make it 2nd and 20. Wilson goes for D.J. Williams headed for the endzone but too much. Now 3rd and 20.

7:02 p.m. — Wilson goes for the deep corner and just over the finger tips. That’s the first incomplete of the game for Arkanas after 11 straight catches.

7:01 p.m. — Another pass completion for Arkansas taks us down to the 36, Ronnie Wingo explodes up field to move the chains to the 23 for 12 yards.

6:59 p.m. — Wilson complete to Wright but flags on the play; off sides on EMU.

6:58 p.m. — Tyler Wilson now in at QB and he gets his first completion — 10 straight for the team and a first down.

6:57 p.m. — Razorback defense got a shake up in starters based on practice performance this week; thus far, EMU is 3-and-out on every possession.

6:56 p.m. — Dewayne Priest makes his 8th carry of the day, losses yardage. He’s touched the ball on over 75% of EMU’s plays (only 11 offensive so far).

6:54 p.m. — Priest tries to find the left edge. Bequette and Tenarius Wright (good to see them back after being shaken up earlier) stop him for a slight tackle for loss. Eagles woes compounded by a delay of game.

6:54 p.m. — Johnny Sears of EMU with another exciting kickoff return, this one 18 yards north and south and probably another 35 east and west.

6:51 p.m. — With the changes for starters today, Arkansas has now started six true freshmen thus far. That ties for second in the nation and leads the SEC.

6:51 p.m. — Mallett hits his 9th straight pass, and this one is an 11 yard TD to Joe Adams. The PAT is good and its Arkansas 28-0.

6:47 p.m. — Wright keeps the streak going, and Hogs move 8 into the Red Zone at the 15. Green barrels down to the 11 for the first down.

6:46 p.m. — Quick 1st quarter stats: 15 plays, 151 yards; Mallett a perfect 7-7 for 76 yards; EMU has 0 1st downs and 19 yards on 9 plays. Quarterback comparison — EMU’s combined 3-1-1 for -5 yards; Mallett 7-7-0 for his 76 — this means only one pass has been dropped today.

6:45 p.m. — The clock stops Arkansas from a fourth first half touchdown, we end the first with Arkansas up 21-0.

6:43 p.m. — Mallett sits back in the pocket and finds London Crawford for 20 yards and the first down.

6:43 p.m. — Third and one for Razorbacks and Green gets way more than the one. Takes it 11 yards and is one tackle away from six.

6:40 p.m. — On third down, new QB, deep drop for the screen, tipped and almost intercepted by the Razorbacks. Fish to receive, gets about 10 yards on the return before he has his helmet removed by a hard EMU tackle.

6:39 p.m. — EMU changes QBs to Alex Gillett. Hands off to Priest twice, now out to the 35 and thrid down again.

6:36 p.m. — Media member asking Kevin Trainor, UA media relations director, if its possible that the fireworks supply could be in trouble tonight. There have been four drives in this game, and three Arkansas touchdowns. More remarkable when you consider that the drives are two for each team.

6:35 p.m. — The Eagles now have 3rd and six, and Kyle McMahon makes his first pass attempt of the game. Freddy Burton spies it out at midfield, and romps 50 yards for the TD. The PAT is good and with 4:02 left in the first, it’s 21-0.

6:31 p.m. — On 3rd and two, Priest finds a gap for the first down, but flags on the play, another Razorback is down; false start will rob that 1st down Adrian Davis is the injured player.

6:30 p.m. — Priest carries again, into the teeth of a Razorback rush. Time out for injured Razorback, Tenarius Wright.

6:29 p.m. — 29 yard kickoff return for EMU puts the Eagles on their own 39. Priest will open it up on the ground for four yards. Bequette and Wendel Davis on the tackle.

6:27 p.m. –First time starters for this year Reggie Fish (WR), Damario Ambrose (DE), Alfred Davis (DT), Terrell Williams (OLB), Bret Harris (LB), David Gordon, Anthony Leon (S), Broderick Green (RB).

6:27 p.m. — 1:09, three plays, 45 yards and Broderick Green closes it out the last three. PAT is good and it’s 14-0 Arkansas.

6:26 p.m. — Ryan Mallett does his Matt Jones imitation, slipping two EMU rushers’ tackles, then lowers his shoulder for the 10 yard gain — measurement. They’ll say he’s just short, so we’ll call it nine.

6:22 p.m. — Mallett leads the offense back onto the field. Wide open to Joe Adams for at leas a 20-plus yard gain, flag on play. Nice recognition applause from crowd that Joe is back on the field. Make it half the distance to the goal line on the face mask. Down to the EMU 12.

6:21 p.m. — Three and out for EMU and to add insult to injury, a shanked punt of a net 16 yards; 1st and 10 for UA on the EMU 45.

6:19 p.m. — Flags everywhere. Motion on EMU. Under pressure, Leon gets the tackle for loss on the EMU screen and the Eagles end up netting -1 yard for their first posession.

6:18 p.m. — Short gain on first down, nice move by Priest on second down to take the Eagles out to 39 yard line, 3rd and two.

6:17 p.m. — Sears returns 14 yards from the 15. On his 15th yard, he pays dearly at the hands of the Razorback coverage team.

6:15 p.m. — When we return from the time out on ESPNU, we anticipate several starter changes on defense. We’ll detail them when we see them.

6:14 p.m. — Knile Davis breaks through a gap on the right side, hits the afterburner and he’s GOOOOONNNNE. Some 36 yards later its TOUCHDOWN ARKANSAS. The PAT is good and with 10:42 left, Arkansas 7, EMU 0.

6:12 p.m. — Play action bootleg and EMU bites hard, Mallett sees plenty of real estate, lowers his shoulder for the first down.

6:11 p.m. — Durmond pulls in the reception for the first down. Mallett backs it with an out to Hamilton.

6:10 p.m. — Mallett finds Hamilton for seven; at his own 48 yard line, Petrino goes for it on fourth down.

6:10 p.m. — Broderick Green gets back a five yard false start plus three more, now third and eight.

6:08 p.m. — Ronnie Wingo, Jr. on the carry; Smith does not start or play. Joe Adams does make the start.

6:08 p.m. — Mallett rifles out a 14 yard pass to Jarius Wright and the offense is on its way.

6:08 p.m. — Seth Armbrust with the return as EMU avoids Arkansas’ deep backs; 1st and 10 at the 27

6:06 p.m. — Razorbacks win the toss and will receive. Mallett seems very happy.

6:04 p.m. — Waiting for the coin toss still; Razorback team comes onto the field. Eastern Michigan now sends out a single captain, Brandon Downs; Love, Mallett and Davis will advance to midfield.

6:01 p.m. — Razorback captains are Mallett, Smith, Adrian Davis, DeMarcus Love, Malcolm Sheppard (Smith Smith is in street clothes.

Jeff Long visits with fans prior to kickoff

5:59 p.m. — Honorary captain Bruce Lahay introduced at midfield.

5:54 p.m. — Statement from Razorback Media Relations on Arkansas’ starters: "Several new starters are expected today for the Razorbacks. Arkansas starters for this game are based on the evaluation by the UA coaching staff of effort given each day in practice this week."

5:53 p.m. — Alumni band members join in for the playing of Hey Baby; now the National Anthem.

5:51 p.m. — Starting lineup changes for Eastern Michigan — Neal Howey at MLB, Dewayne Priest at RB. Two players will change numbers if they play fullback, #70 Corey Watman to #41 and Ryan Kuhlman was #92, now wearing #66 and could go to #36 if he is at FB. Who says folks aren’t in the costume spirit today. Also, Marcus English will not play for EMU.

5:48 p.m. — Let’s Stand Up and CALL THOSE HOGS — Band is on the field for the first formal Hog Call. Gorgeous 59 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and a light west wind. 16 minutes to kickoff.

5:46 p.m. — Closing in on 20 minute mark; team getting ready with last snaps; Razorback band — sousaphones up, and ready to march on

5:41 p.m. — Looks like a full moon rising over the east stands. Remember, it is Halloween.

5:36 p.m. — Michael Smith still in jersey and sweats; we are 30 minutes to kickoff.

5:33 p.m. — For David Gordon, it is his first career start today at corner back.

5:31 p.m. — For Joe Adams, it’s his first game and start back from his mild stroke earlier this season, cleared earlier in the week by specialists.

5:30 p.m. — Flip chart starters for Arkansas defense: Jake Bequette and Adrian Davis, DE; Zach Stradther and Malcolm Sheppard, DT; Jerry Franklin, Wendel Davis and Freddy Burton, LB; David Gordon, Elton Ford, matt harris and Rudell Crim, DBs.

5:28 p.m. — Flip chart starters for Arkansas offense: Ray Dominguez and DeMarcus Love; Mitch Petrus and Wade Grayson, OG; Seth Oxner, C; Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright, WR; Michael Smith, RB; Van Stumon, FB; Ryan Mallett, QB.

5:24 p.m. — Razorback band now marching in in full regalia; looks like new flags for the flag corps — a stylized HOGS. Really starting to feel like Homecoming now. We’ll see the band and cheer alumns hit the field soon.

5:24 p.m. — See, NASCAR

5:22 p.m. — Both teams now out for warm-ups.

5:15 p.m. — EMU has left the field as the Razorback QBs and specialists take the field; Ryan Mallett looks particularly pumped up.

5:07 p.m. — Flip chart starters for EMU offense: Dan DeMaster and Stephen Johnson, OT; Andy Fretz and Andrew Sorgatz, OG; Derek Gotham, C; Jacory Stone, Nick Olds, Ben Thayer, DeAnthony White, receivers/backs; Terrence Blevins, RB; Kyle McMahon, QB.

5:06 p.m. — Flip chart starters today for EMU defense, Brandon Downs and Javon Reese, DE; Brad Ohrman and Brandon Slater, DT; Andre Hatchett, Marcus English and Tim Fort, LBs; Arrington Hicks, Johnny Sears, Martavius Cardwell and Chris May, DBs.

5:04 p.m. –EMU going through their warm-ups; awaiting the Razorbacks. Perfect clear sky day, the west side shadow is now across the field and starting to climb up the east stands.

4:58 p.m. — Eastern Michigan’s kickers and QBs are on the field, the Eagles will have their dark kelly green helmets with all white uniforms, large green stripe. Looking out of the press box, isn’t that one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR vehicles next to the Hog Grill?

4:50 p.m. — One of the Arkansas homecoming traditions is the selection by the media of the Crip Hall Award as the outstanding senior player at homecoming. Who will you pick? Tweet your selections with #criphall hash tag or email to bismith@uark.edu. We’ll have a CyberCrip.

4:40 p.m. — Eastern Michigans coaches are on the field right now, team arrived about 20 minutes ago.

4:30 p.m. — The 90 minute clock has started running for today’s game.

3:00 p.m. — Good afternoon and welcome from Fayetteville. We are still 90 minutes away from the blog rolling full speed, but here are a few quick photos of the students getting ready for tonight’s game.

Jump here for the pre-game blog, with special Halloween notes.

Another quick pic, this from John Pelphrey’s open men’s basketball practice today down at Walton Arena. Started at 2 p.m. and will end around 4 p.m.